The purpose of a media configuration is to ensure that the proofer images properly. A media configuration provides Kodak Proofing Software with all the color content files and data required by a specific printer model to optimize the print quality for a specific media type at a specific printing mode (ink type, resolution, and so on). A media configuration also contains specific tolerances that are appropriate for that combination of resources, and it references signed proofer profiles (also known as paper profiles).
Media configurations are required software resources for consistent and correct processing and imaging of proofs. When you set up the processing of input files via a proofer hot folder or in workflow software, you must designate a suitable media configuration.
You can:
- Download and install media configurations provided by Kodak.
- Create custom media configurations.
- Purchase a service that will create a custom media configuration for you.
Downloading and installing media configurations provided by Kodak
All media configurations provided by Kodak for Matchprint Inkjet proofers use the following default naming convention: <ProoferName>_<ProoferModel>_<MediaAbbreviation>_<Resolution>_<Version>. These names are editable.
Creating your own custom media configurations
Methods for adding or creating new media configurations
A custom media configuration is needed when there are no media configuration files available for a third-party media you are using or when you want to use Kodak media at a custom print resolution. A custom proofer profile–sometimes called a paper profile–must also be created after you create a custom media configuration.
Creating a media configuration for a custom media can take most of a day, depending on the need for printer preparation and some choices (media type, resolution, dry time).
The Kodak Proofing Software Precision Color Media Configuration wizard guides you through the process of creating a media configuration for a specific Matchprint Inkjet proofer and media type. When instructed by the Media Configuration wizard, you will perform the following steps:
- Select the media type.
- Set up the configuration settings for the media (such as ink type, resolution, workflow print direction).
- Select the spectrophotometer that you will use.
- Adjust the paper feed.
- Print and examine targets to choose a total ink limit.
Note: If automatic calibration is enabled and selected (inline spectrophotometers only), the wizard can complete the media configuration for you after this step. - Print and measure a chart to determine the single-channel ink limit.
- Print and measure charts to determine the gray balance.
- Print and measure a chart to characterize the printer.
- Print and measure a chart to calibrate the proofer for the media configuration.
New media configurations are automatically enabled and calibrated. If desired, you can edit the media configuration and save it with a new name. Once you've created the media configuration, create a custom proofer ICC profile (paper profile) for it.
After using the Precision Color Media Calibration wizard to calibrate the proofer for the media configuration, weekly calibration is recommended. Weekly calibration is required for the Certified Process for Color Confirmation. Calibrations expire after seven days.
Purchasing a service that will create a custom media configuration for you
Contact your service representative to purchase SD-1489 US&C KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Systems Implementation Service for Custom Media Configurations, 1 Media and 1 Proofer.
With this service, a Kodak service representative will set up one custom media configuration for one media and one proofer, and then train two of your staff to create custom media configurations using the Kodak Proofing System media configuration wizard.